Let's Pour a Cold Bucketing on South Sudan's Violence, UN Says
United Nations' Security Council urges an immediate ceasefire in South Sudan.
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The United Nations is shouting loud and clear: Enough's enough! South Sudan isn't some international rock concert where we let the bands keep jamming even after curfew. The UN Security Council has demanded an instant halt to the beatdown in South Sudan and time for a lengthy chat about politics.
Theillustrious UN Security Council screams, "Cut it out, ya bunch of ruffians," according to a resolution they passed on Thurs-day. They also requested the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) be around for another year until April 30, 2026. And here's the kicker: They left open the possibility of boosting the troop strength if necessary. The resolution was approved with 12 yes votes and a sulky trio of abstentions — Russia, China, and Pakistan.
Now, South Sudan's been playing tug-of-war for a while now. The fight's been boiling between folks backing Prez Salva Kiir and Vice Prez Riek Machar, who got nabbed in late March, sending the fuse box into meltdown once more. This video game of Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood threatens a 2018 peace deal that brought an end to a five-year civil war that vaporized around 400,000 people.
South Sudan kicked off independence from Sudan in 2011, landing itself onto the globe as one of the world's poorest nations. Despite the massive oil reserves, it sits on the edge of penury.
Insights
- Current Ceasefire Status: Despite the UN Security Council's persistent pleas, South Sudan's situation continues to sizzle with violence. For instance, on May 5, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) gave the finger to air strikes in Fangak and yelled, "Chill out, already!"
- Concern from the International Community: The security council's holler for a ceasefire highlights global concerns over the worsening circumstances, including the use of barrel bombs and the potential for another civil war.
- Arms Embargo Vote: In late May, the UN Security Council plans to hold a vote on whether to renew the arms embargo on South Sudan, which has been active since 2018 to prevent the import of heavy weapons. The result hangs in the balance due to shifting positions within the Council members.
In brief, we're all holding our breath, hoping South Sudan takes a breather instead of another knee-jerk reaction. And remember, when the UN cries 'ceasefire,' it's time to hit the off button.
- The international community, including the United Nations, is actively voicing concerns and implementing policies to bring peace to South Sudan, as exemplified by the community and employment policies.
- The United Nations Security Council's recent resolution demanded an immediate halt to the violence in South Sudan and extended the UN peacekeeping mission, aiming to prevent a re-escalation of war-and-conflicts.
- In line with these employment policies, the UN Security Council's resolution left the possibility open for increasing the troop strength if necessary, as a means to maintain peace in the region.
- As part of the general news coverage and politics, the UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on renewing the arms embargo on South Sudan in late May, with the potential to prevent the import of heavy weapons and promote peacekeeping.
